The Answer Is Human Rights | Adelaide seminar

Human rights are an important part of our everyday lives. So much so, that we often take them for granted. But in a rapidly changing world, how much is at stake for Australians in terms of safety, freedom, equality and justice?  

With growing concerns around social cohesion, the right to peaceful protest, housing affordability, economic inequality, and the impact of climate change and digital technologies, how can human rights help us solve the challenging issues of our times?  

Join some of Australia’s leading human rights advocates as they explore the issues facing people in South Australia and the human rights strategies we can use to build a better and safer Australia where everyone can feel they belong. 

This seminar is for anyone who cares about Australia’s and South Australia's future, and about keeping our democracy healthy and strong including:

• Workers in the legal, justice, government and civil society sectors

• Students of law, politics, business and culture

The seminar is presented by the Australian Human Rights Commission in partnership with Equal Opportunity South Australia.

The Answer is Human Rights national seminar series is part of the AHRC’s 40 Years program.

Read the media release about this seminar.  

Participation 

• This is a FREE event, but places are limited 

• Attendees are encouraged to register prior to the event 

Panel 

• JusticeNet SA CEO/Principal Solicitor Rebecca Plummer

• Adelaide University Associate Professor in Law Dr Sarah Moulds

• AHRC Age Discrimination Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM

• AHRC Chief Executive Leanne Smith

Content 

• How human rights make our communities safer and fairer   

• Proposals for an Australian Human Rights Act

• Proposals to strengthen Australia’s anti-discrimination laws

• Proposals for solutions to address a range of key local issues

Accessibility 

• The venue has accessible entry and accessible restrooms.

• Please let us know if you have any specific needs in relation to accessibility during the registration process. 

Speakers 

Rebecca Plummer | CEO/Principal Solicitor, JusticeNet SA

Passionate about human rights and justice, Rebecca brings with her a wealth of experience in the courts and justice system, having been a practicing criminal lawyer, Principal Registrar, Justice Department Executive, and Justice Partnerships Lead in LegalTech. Rebecca has led staff, stakeholder, project and financial management including for operational and strategic transformation including multimillion dollar restructures across technology, infrastructure and human resources. Experience in practice has been combined with non-executive board roles and continuous academic study including being a selected member of the Human Rights stream of the Global Leadership Program (Charles University, Prague), Executive Courses in Leadership, Data and Economic Growth (Harvard Kennedy School), and a 2020 Churchill Fellowship on the topic of Access to Justice in Remote and Disadvantaged Communities. Rebecca is currently the CEO and Principal Solicitor of JusticeNet SA, a not-for-profit social enterprise focused on strategies to promote justice and participation in the law for those most in need.

Dr Sarah Moulds | Associate Professor in Law, Adelaide University

Dr Sarah Moulds is an Associate Professor in Law at Adelaide University and co-founder of the Rights Resource Network SA.  She is passionate about parliaments and connecting citizens and communities with law makers, and regularly interacts with governments, parliaments and the media to facilitate law reform efforts and improve human rights compliance. In 2022, Dr Moulds was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to explore how to empower young people to engage effectively with Australian parliaments. She is currently the Editor of the Australasian Parliamentary Review, the Deputy Chair of the International Parliamentary Engagement Network and the South Australian representative on the Law Council of Australia’s National Human Rights Committee. Dr Moulds' career has a strong law reform focus and includes seven years at the Law Council of Australia including as Director of Criminal Law and Human Rights, and as a Senior Project Officer at the South Australian Law Reform Institute.  Sarah has also advised the Parliament of Queensland on the implementation of their Human Rights Act.

Robert Fitzgerald AM | Age Discrimination Commissioner, AHRC

Commissioner Fitzgerald is a highly respected lawyer and advocate. He brings extensive leadership and policy expertise from across legal, government and the community sectors. A commercial lawyer by background, he has also had a long and dedicated career in public service, holding several significant roles, including: New South Wales Ageing and Disability Commissioner; Australian Productivity Commissioner; NSW Community and Disability Services Commissioner; and Commissioner on the Royal Commission into Institutional responses to Child Sexual Abuse. He has held board roles in the non-government sector for over 40 years, including: President, Australian Council of Social Service; NSW State President, St Vincent de Paul Society; Deputy Chair, Benevolent Society; Board Member, Social Ventures Australia (current); Chair, Caritas Australia (current). In recognition of his significant contributions and commitment to social justice and community services he was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1994.

Leanne Smith | Chief Executive, AHRC 

Ms Smith is an international human rights lawyer. She has worked in the Australian judicial system and as an Australian diplomat. Before joining the Commission, she was Executive Director of the Whitlam Institute between 2017-2021. For over a decade, Leanne worked in various roles for the United Nations, where she led work on protection of civilians, conflict-related sexual violence, protection of women and children, community engagement and peacebuilding. Leanne also served with the UN in the field including in Afghanistan, the Balkans, Africa and Southeast Asia.

Enquires 

For more information about this event or how to participate, please contact us at: 40Years@humanrights.gov.au 

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